Update: Tough battle in Calgary Signal Hill heads to vote

Rob Anders and Ron Liepert, rivals for the Conservative nomination in the federal riding of Calgary Signal Hill.

Photograph by: Stuart Gradon
, Calgary Herald

Hundreds of Conservative party members gathered Friday for the final faceoff in the bitter contest for the Calgary Signal Hill nomination.

Tory MP Rob Anders and his sole opponent, former provincial finance minister Ron Liepert, took to the stage of a southwest Calgary auditorium to make their pitch to the party’s rank and file at the members-only event.

Both candidates emerged from the forum confident in their performance to woo supporters ahead of the Saturday vote, which is widely expected to decide who will be the riding’s next MP, given that the area has been a traditional Tory stronghold.

“A few of the myths he’s been trying to spread around the community were put to rest tonight,” Liepert told reporters, referring to Anders’ depiction of him as a tax-and-spend liberal.

Anders, a career politician and a heavily experienced debater, said he believed he was able to illustrate a “clear contrast” between himself and Liepert, whom he described as a “Red Tory” who has enlisted supporters of other parties to tip the vote in his favour.

“I think people understand the nature of the difference here: somebody who gives straight answers, versus somebody who tries to skate; somebody who’s proud of his record, versus somebody’s who’s trying to run from his record,” Anders told reporters.

Brent Harland, who is not a Conservative member but sneaked into the debate, said both candidates largely kept their cool, and he got the sense that the incumbent knows he may be in trouble.

“There was only a couple moments where there was a little bit of emotion added to it, as it is a very emotional battle,” Harland said. “For Rob Anders, this could be the end of his political career and he knows it, and you can see that he knows it.”

Several members walking into the forum, which media were barred from attending, said they doubted anything they would hear from either candidate would swing their support away from Liepert, which they characterized as a vote against Anders.

“I’m increasingly disillusioned and disappointed with Rob Anders and his right-wing persona and politics, how he runs campaigns,” said Marcus Rooke, a lifelong Tory.

Anders has indicated he knows he is in a dogfight, posting on his nomination website an endorsement from Prime Minister Stephen Harper who called the MP a “strong voice” in government and a “valued member of our team.”

Influential cabinet minister Jason Kenney threw his support behind the incumbent Friday, saying Anders is a “consistent and principled supporter of our fight for lower taxes,” among other priorities. The quote, posted on the MP’s website, was confirmed by an official from Kenney’s office.

Liepert snarled at the endorsement. “I think Jason Kenney should mind his own business and I think he should concentrate on running in his own riding and not sticking his nose in other people’s nominations.”

There are an estimated 3,200 Conservative members eligible to vote Saturday in Calgary Signal Hill, a new riding created under redistribution.

Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University, said Anders has held onto his seat for so long in part because he is a strong campaigner with loyal supporters. He’s often branded himself as the protector of traditional conservative values, portraying opponents as being “not conservative enough,” she said.

But Williams said the redrawn riding boundary has carved out some of his traditional support base. This, combined with negative press over some questionable campaign tactics — and given the strength of his challenger — means Anders is in for “a real fight.”

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.